Nikko Ray Smith, a 25-year-old printing press operator from Peoria, Illinois, was shot in the head and killed during a violent altercation on the 1600 block of West Kettelle Street on July 14, 2015. The confrontation also left another man, Charles Shelton, wounded; evidence at the scene included torn-off dreadlocks and drugs. Smith was a father to two children, Nevaeh Rae Smith and Elijah Ingram, and was expecting another child with his girlfriend, Denisha Ingram.

Darren D. Brown, 32, was identified as the primary suspect. His first conviction for first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm in 2017 was later overturned by the Illinois 3rd District Appellate Court in 2021 over procedural errors involving phone records. The case proceeded through multiple trials; a retrial in November 2024 produced a guilty verdict for first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. Testimony introduced included prior statements from Charles Shelton and DNA evidence linking Brown to the scene. Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on December 30, 2024.

If anyone knew Nikko, his routines, or has information about the night of July 14, 2015, please come forward.